Repository

Virtual research environment for the humanities

Description

The TextGrid Repository is part of the TextGrid virtual research environment and is provided by DARIAH-DE. In addition to the long-term archives, the TextGrid Repository is an open-source software for collaborative creation and publication for example Digital editions based on XML / TEI.

Since 2006, the research organization TextGrid that consists of ten partners today, has set up a virtual research environment (VFU), which primarily supports text-based human-scientific work processes, especially in the context of the creation of digital editions. With the release of Productive Versions 1.0 (2011) and 2.0 (2012), TextGrid offers an open-source software called TextGrid Laboratory, which provides various tools and services for the collaborative processing and generation of research data in a protected environment. Furthermore TextGrid offers a searchable and citable long-term archive called TextGrid Repository as a second componend that ensures the sustainable availability and usability of the research data in a stable, secure environment. Publishing the data via the TextGridLab or directly importing the data via API into the repository allows the permanent and referenceable storage of all data in different formats, whereby the presentation of XML / TEI is highly supported.

The TextGrid Repository, a long-term archive for humanities research data, provides a comprehensive, searchable and usable inventory of XML / TEI encoded texts, images and databases. The constantly growing portfolio includes next to the digital library of TextGrid today, for example works of about 600 authors of German-language fiction (prose, poetry, dramas) and art literature from the beginning of book printing to the early 20th century, which can be stored, published and searched in various output formats (for example XML, ePub, PDF). The texts can be further researched and visualized using various tools, such as image viewing or quantitative text analysis.

The data in the TextGrid repository is mapped using a specific TextGrid metadata schema. The non-public storage area (OwnStorage) is administrated via a role and computer management. The publicly accessible storage area (PublicStorage) contains all published data. Any stored file here obtains a persistent identifier (PID) for permanent referencing. All public data in the TextGrid repository can be searched through the TextGrid Repository website, as well as the TG-search API and visualized using various tools (such as Digivoy / Voyant). By entering a keyword, you can search directly in the inventory; Alternatively, it can be displayed and invoked via "Explore" by predefined categories (e.g., "author", "genre").

Due to the modular open-source architecture of the software, the tools and services provided by TextGrid can also be adapted to project-specific requirements. The third funding phase (2012-2015) focused on the transfer of the virtual research environment into the long-term sustainable continious service. TextGrid is freely available as part of the DARIAH infrastructure.